Does the Prophet's standing (in prayer) for half the night count from after 'Isha, or from Maghrib until Fajr? Is it better for a sick person to increase the number of rak'ahs or to sit during them? Is it permissible for him to sit during part of a rak'ah and stand during another part? Is the reward diminished by sitting due to illness? Should a memorizer of the Qur'an strive for a weekly complete recitation (khatmah) in the night prayer, along with the fear of not being able to maintain it? Is posing these questions online considered a form of showing off (riya')?

1. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to perform qiyam (definition) for most of the night, as commanded by Allah. Then, it was lightened for him and his companions. The night refers to the period between sunset and dawn. The exact time was not precisely specified then, but what is established about him is the prolongation of night vigil. Delaying the Isha prayer until the first third of the night was not his usual practice; rather, he did it several times then abandoned it out of compassion for his Ummah.

2. Whoever suffers from an illness and cannot perform all nafila prayers standing, may pray as much as he can standing and then sit. He will receive the full reward of standing. However, if he prays sitting while able to stand, he receives half the reward of one who stands. It is preferable to perform the wird standing, along with an increase in the number of rak'ahs, rather than performing it sitting.

3. It is permissible for one performing nafila to begin the voluntary prayer sitting or standing and then sit during it.

4. It is preferable for a person to have a wird that he can consistently maintain, so as not to become bored. For the best of deeds is that which is most consistent, even if small.

5. Such questions are for gaining understanding in religion, and they do not show any suspicion of showing off (riya’) or seeking reputation (sum’ah).